What happened
On 19 March 2012, a Cessna 152, registration G-BNIV, was performing solo visual circuit training at Rochester Airport, Kent. The flight was being conducted under the supervision of a flying instructor. The weather conditions were favorable, with fine visibility and a light wind from 300° at 5 to 10 knots. The aircraft was operating on Runway 34, a grass strip.
Prior to the accident, the student pilot had completed several dual circuits with an instructor and had already performed two successful solo circuits. During the third circuit, while the pilot was resetting the flaps for takeoff after landing, the aircraft encountered a known undulation on the runway surface. This caused the aircraft to bounce multiple times. During one of these bounces, the nose gear dug into the ground, causing the aircraft to flip forward onto its back. The pilot escaped the aircraft through the left window, sustaining only superficial injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the grass runway surface and analyzed witness accounts from flying school personnel. The investigation established that the aircraft had experienced a series of bounces during the landing sequence. Evidence from the runway surface indicated that at least one of these bounces occurred primarily on the nosewheel. The instructor, who had observed the initial two approaches, noted that the pilot's performance had been satisfactory prior to the incident.
Findings
- The aircraft encountered a known surface undulation on the grass runway.
- The aircraft experienced multiple bounces during the landing phase.
- The nose leg dug into the grass surface, leading to the aircraft overturning.
- The pilot was performing a solo circuit exercise as part of a training program.